We deserved a big club

Robbie Simpson declared that Latics deserved a big draw after being paired with Barclays Premier League giants Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup with Budweiser.

The forward believes it was their reward for winning yesterday at npower Championship club Nottingham Forest.

He explained: "After what happened yesterday, from the players, manager, Paul Gerrard, Tony Philliskirk, Mick Priest, the board, fans who travelled and everybody involved, we deserved to play a big Premier League team at Boundary Park.

"It will be a brilliant occasion and let's hope it will be televised after we caused an upset in the last round."

Simpson, whose spectacular goal gave Latics a short-lived lead at Liverpool before they lost 5-1, added he could not have wished for a better draw.

He continued: "I was settling down to watch the Mansfield v Liverpool tie when the draw was made and I couldn't believe it.

"It is a special draw and let's hope we can avenge last year's defeat.

"As soon as the draw was made the lads began contacting each other and everyone was excited.

"They thought it would be just our luck that Liverpool lost, but they scraped through.

"Non-league Mansfield gave a good account of themselves and, but for a Liverpool goal which should not have stood, they would have earned a replay."

Simpson believes Latics have everything to gain and nothing to lose against Liverpool.

"It will be similar to yesterday in that nobody will expect us to win. Let's hope we enjoy the day and we can experience more cup magic and cause another upset," he said.

Simpson added that he believes the cup tie will create a buzz about Boundary Park as happened last season when they were also paired with Liverpool.

"We need to reproduce our second-half form from yesterday on a consistent basis in the league and start to climb the table," he concluded.